Cinnamon has been hailed a superfood spice. Not only is it a fall flavor staple, but it also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Who knew so much goodness can be packed into a simple powder? While the spice is often enjoyed in an ooey-gooey cinnamon bun, there are healthier options that don't contain empty calories. Here's how to eat cinnamon 10 healthy ways:
1. Coffee
Most people start their day off with a cup or two of coffee to get an energy boost. Starting your day off with cinnamon can also give your body a boost. Cinnamon is said to balance insulin levels and help with digestion. I make a cinnamon-infused cup of coffee most mornings by adding a bit of coconut milk to my mug and sprinkling cinnamon on top.
2. Oatmeal
I am obsessed with oatmeal, and I love making overnight oats for breakfast. One recipe that I often make is banana cinnamon oats. All you need to make it are oats, one banana, a dash of cinnamon, and some water, milk, or yogurt. Easy and delicious!
#Spoon Tip: Add peanut butter to the oatmeal for some extra protein.
3. Pancakes
Pancakes are a classic breakfast food, but sometimes they can be a bit plain. Spread some peanut butter on top, drizzle honey instead of syrup, add fruit, and spice it up with a dash of cinnamon in the batter.
4. Muffins
I like to think of muffins as less sugary cupcakes, but that doesn't mean they can't be just as exciting! As many know, pumpkin spice and cinnamon are staple fall flavors, so combine the two into these pumpkin banana bread muffins.
5. Sweet Potatoes
My dining hall makes a version of these cinnamon sweet potatoes on occasion and they're always a hit. Who thought of putting cinnamon on sweet potato? Like fries and milkshakes, cinnamon and sweet potato is an unlikely pairing made in food heaven.
6. Apples
Apples paired with cinnamon is a common combination (apple pie, yum). Sprinkle cinnamon on some apple slices and dip it in honey, or take it one step further and enjoy these cooked cinnamon apples. Or, enjoy some cinnamon apple quinoa for breakfast!
7. Granola
Whenever I'm home, I whip up a batch of my everyday granola and my family devours it. The pumpkin and spices add flavor to the oats, and the flax and chia seeds provide essential omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This granola works great as a grab-and-go breakfast, a tasty snack, or a topping for yogurt.
8. "Nice" cream
Banana ice cream, aka "nice" cream, is a huge food trend due to its simplicity and its being vegan friendly. All you need to do to make it is freeze at least two cut-up bananas overnight, blend them up in a blender along with other flavors (i.e. chocolate, berries, etc.) and enjoy. I like to add cinnamon on top of plain banana nice cream along with some cacao nibs!
9. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a good fruit to have for breakfast in that it is a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Give your already healthy grapefruit an extra boost with some antioxidant rich cinnamon.
10. Cinnamon Toast
I created this twist on classic peanut butter banana toast just the other morning. After my run, I needed some complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein to refuel. I toasted two slices of Ezekiel bread, slathered on some powdered peanut butter (made creamy by adding water), sliced a banana, and cut up two dates. Top top it off, I sprinkled some cinnamon over it all. Refueling the right (and delicious) way!
Many people overlook cinnamon, but it sure has a lot of health benefits for a powder that comes from tree bark. With so many different ways to incorporate cinnamon into your diet, there's no reason why you should be missing out on this powerhouse spice.